Expected Car Models to Be Launched in 2011 - Part One

Although the car industry is suffering from an unprecedented sales downfall, automotive manufacturers are launching every year new models that bring new technological innovations as well as power improvements to existing models or brand new ones. In 2011 there will be a couple of important international car launches that people are anxious to get their hands on. With these articles we will try to present 10 of the most anticipated models of 2011.

1. Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible - similar to the rest of the Continental lineup, a drop-top version of the fastest Bentley ever manufactured will be launched this summer as a 2011 model. It will feature the same engine as the hardtop version which means a roaring W12 capable of producing 621 horse power, fitted with a 6 speed transmission. It will be available in a wide variety of colors for the fabric top;

2. Bentley Muslanne - yet another Bentley car is set to arrive next year, a model that will replace the outdated Arnage, and a model that has been in the Bentley family for years. This brand new car is named for the famous Mulsanne corner at Le Mans - a circuit Bentley dominated six times in its long history. The new model features a massive 6.8 liter V8 capable of outputting 512 horsepower and an incredible torque of 752 lb-ft. Each car will take about eight weeks to be manufactured, at an incredible price of 285,000 $ - for the basic version;

3. Ferrari 458 Italia - Ferrari will replace the F430 model with the 458 Italia in 2011. The latest prancing horse had design input from none other than famed Ferrari Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. The new model will use the same engine as the F430 but tweaked in order to obtain even more power. It will feature a flowing, aerodynamic design, a huge leap in comparison with the current F430 and 612 Scaglietti models. It will feature sport carbon fiber seats which will come in all possible sizes;

4. Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera - yet another Italian car, this time is Lamborghini. The most important "loser" in the car world this year is the Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera ("superlight" in Italian). This version of the popular exotic, which debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, has a lot of carbon fiber and more horsepower for a higher top speed -- 202 mph, to be exact. In comparison with the standard model, it is 154 pounds lighter and has an extra 10 horsepower to play around with. The standard Gallardo needed 3,7 seconds to reach 60 mph, this new model needs only 3.4 seconds;

5. Lexus LFA - simply put, it is the first supercar from this Japanese car manufacturer. Price? "Only" 375,000 $! This Toyota with a Lexus badge will be equipped with a V10 4.8 liter engine and a carbon fiber reinforced polymer body material which has been developed in-house. Only 500 models will be produced, each to order;

Stay tuned for the second part of the article where we will be reviewing the last 5 cars most expected for 2011: Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing, Porsche 911 GT2 and the 911 Turbo S.